The Joy of Flying

Aircraft engines are simple, just a series of spinning fans. Air in front is compressed by fans. When fuel is introduced and burned in the engine, high pressure exhaust gases spin more fans that create thrust. The aircraft does not have ignition system. An igniter is only used to start the engine. Once fuel in an aircraft starts burning, it continues burning at the same rate throughout unless the engine is put off. That’s why airplane is highly dependable from departure to destination. Even after burning the fuel, an aircraft’s engine exhaust is water vapour (which you can see when it passes). Jet engines are very reliable. They are not prone to damage or fail as in the days piston-powered engines were used. Today’s jet engine to piston-powered engine reliability ratio is 10:1.